I think most of the guys, especially the ones who are a bit mechanically oriented, were just having a bit of fun because a prop rod which holds something up is usually self explanatory the first time you raise the fuel tank to look underneath. By the look of that valve cover gasket (starting to squish out of place) you may be using it sooner than you think. One other point, if you think the fellows are a bit drunk or maybe making fun of you (they usually only do that to me).... they might be.... or they might not be.... to know is the question??? That's why we call it the asylum... LOOK, SQUIRREL..
Don't take it personally, most of us are attention deficit and are waiting for our meds....